Caleb Foster
Ingrown nails are a common problem in cats, especially older cats, and can be very painful. They occur when a cat's nails are left untrimmed and the cat does not have access to surfaces or posts that allow them to file their nails down. This results in the nails growing into the paw pad, which can lead to infection. While it is possible to trim a cat's nails at home, ingrown nails may require a vet to sedate or anesthetize the cat to initiate treatment and prevent further damage to the paw.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to identify an ingrown nail | A quick check of the cat's paw is usually enough to spot an ingrown nail. An ingrown nail will look long and curved, with the tip of the nail growing into the cat's paw pad. The pad might be swollen and there could be a small amount of bleeding. |
| How to prevent ingrown nails | Regularly trim your cat's claws. Provide your cat with scratching posts and cat towers to exercise their natural desire to scratch, which will help wear down their claws. |
| What to do if your cat has an ingrown nail | Consult a veterinarian. The vet will likely sedate or anesthetize the cat, clip the nail, and remove the sharp end. They will then flush the wound to remove debris and clean it. Depending on the extent of the damage, the vet may bandage the paw and prescribe antibiotics and pain medication. |
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What You'll Learn
How to identify an ingrown nail
Ingrown nails are a common condition in cats. They are usually easy to identify with a quick check of your cat's paw. An ingrown nail will look long and curved, with the tip of the nail growing into the pad of the foot. The nail will start to curve and push into the skin, and the pad might be swollen with some bleeding. You may notice your cat's nails getting caught on blankets or carpets more easily because the nails can no longer fully retract.
Hearing a tapping sound as the cat walks on hard surfaces is another tell-tale sign. Cats with ingrown nails may also seem more lethargic or might lick or bite at their feet. Ingrown nails can be quite painful for your cat and may lead to infection. An infected ingrown nail will usually be painful, swollen, and will likely ooze pus. The discharge may range from somewhat transparent yellow to thick yellow-green.
Senior cats are at a higher risk of developing ingrown nails, but any cat that is not getting enough exercise could develop this issue. Certain breeds are also prone to nail problems. If your cat has long hair, it may be difficult to see their nails.
If you notice any signs of an ingrown nail, it is important to address this painful condition as soon as possible. While trimming the nails is normally a simple process, ingrown nails are very painful, and your cat will need to be sedated or anesthetized to safely initiate treatment.
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How to prevent ingrown nails
Ingrown nails in cats are a common problem, especially in older, less active cats. Luckily, they are preventable with proper claw care. Here are some tips to prevent ingrown nails in cats:
Regular nail trims
The most effective way to prevent ingrown nails is to trim your cat's nails regularly. Cats' nails constantly grow, and if they do not wear down naturally or get trimmed, they can grow too long and curve into the paw pad. Ideally, your cat's claws should be examined and trimmed every four to six weeks, depending on your cat's age, breed, and lifestyle. If you are uncomfortable trimming your cat's nails, you can schedule regular visits to a veterinarian or a professional groomer.
Provide scratching toys
Cats have a natural desire to scratch, and providing them with scratching posts and cat towers helps wear down their claws. These can include abrasive surfaces like concrete or asphalt, which will help your cat wear down their nails naturally.
Encourage regular exercise
Encouraging your cat to engage in regular exercise will help prevent ingrown nails. Activities that involve moving around on abrasive surfaces will naturally grind down their nails. This includes outdoor activities such as hunting or climbing, which indoor cats may not experience as frequently.
Examine their paws regularly
Inspect your cat's nails and paw pads regularly for any signs of overgrowth, sensitivity, inflammation, or bleeding. This will help you spot potential ingrown nails early on and prevent further discomfort and progression. Long-haired cats may require trimming of the excess fur between their toes to expose the paw pads and nails for easier examination.
Monitor nail shedding
Cat claws are made of keratin, and as they grow, the outer layer sheds, leaving behind a sharper claw. However, if the claw does not shed properly, it can become ingrown. Keep an eye on your cat's nail-shedding process to ensure the claws are shedding normally and are not at risk of becoming ingrown.
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When to seek veterinary assistance
Ingrown nails are a common but painful condition in cats. They can lead to complications and infections, so it is important to know when to seek veterinary assistance.
If your cat has an ingrown nail, it is recommended to schedule a veterinary visit as soon as possible. Ingrown nails can cause severe pain and further injury with every step, potentially leading to long-term damage. The procedure to remove an ingrown nail is painful, and your veterinarian will need to sedate or anesthetize your cat. They will then flush the wound, and depending on the severity, may need to surgically cut away and suture the surrounding tissue. Your cat may be sent home with antibiotics and pain medication.
Signs that your cat has an ingrown nail include:
- Visible swelling, redness, or irritation around the claw
- Limping or avoiding use of the affected paw
- Bleeding or pus, which could indicate an infection requiring immediate veterinary attention
- Excessive licking or biting of the paw due to soreness
- Refusal to let you near their paw
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to seek veterinary advice rather than attempting to treat the issue yourself. Home remedies are not recommended as they can be ineffective or worsen the injury. While you may be able to trim your cat's nails at home, ingrown nails are very painful and require a full vet exam. Your veterinarian will be able to provide medication to control your cat's pain and prevent infection.
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How to treat an infected ingrown nail
Ingrown nails in cats are a common problem, especially in older cats, and can be incredibly painful. They can also cause an infection, lameness, or swelling in your cat's paw. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your cat to the vet for treatment.
A common complication with ingrown claws is an infection of the injured paw pad. If your cat's paw is infected, it may be swollen with yellow or green discharge. Your cat will need to have the claw removed from the pad, and they will also need antibiotics to fight the infection. The vet may choose to put your cat under anaesthesia so they don't feel any pain during the procedure.
Before the procedure, the vet will trim the fur and sterilize the paw area. They will then clip the nail and carefully remove it from the paw pad. Once the nail is removed, they will clean the wound and may suture the paw to help it heal. They will then bandage the paw and put a cone on your cat so they can't lick their paw as it heals.
After the procedure, follow your vet's instructions regarding any antibiotics or painkillers your cat may need during their recovery. Most cats will need pain medication, usually a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, for a few days at home. Your vet may also prescribe antibiotics if they think there is an infection or a risk of infection. Recovery time is usually around one to two weeks.
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How to trim your cat's nails at home
Trimming your cat's nails at home is a simple process, but it can quickly become a more complex procedure if your cat's nails are left to overgrow. Overgrown nails can become ingrown, which is intensely painful for cats and can lead to infection. Ingrown nails will require a vet's attention, so it's important to prevent this by regularly trimming your cat's nails.
How to prevent ingrown nails
To prevent ingrown nails, you should trim your cat's nails regularly. You can purchase nail trimmers with handles like scissors and cutting blades made specifically for cat claws from a pet store.
Cat claws are different from human nails because they are not fully opaque. The opaque part of the claw is the quick, and anything clear is extra claw that can be trimmed off. Hold your cat's claws up to a light or in a well-lit room to see the difference.
How often to trim
Cats typically need their nails trimmed every two weeks or so. However, this can vary depending on your cat's age, breed, and lifestyle. For example, senior cats are at a higher risk of developing ingrown nails because they are less active and their nails are more brittle.
How to trim
When trimming, be careful not to cut into the quick, as this can be painful for your cat and may cause bleeding. If your cat has long fur, carefully trim the excess fur to make it easier to see what you're doing.
Signs of ingrown nails
Ingrown nails are easy to identify. They will look long and curved, with the tip of the nail growing into the pad of the foot. The pad might be swollen, and there could be bleeding. If the paw looks infected, you should take your cat to the vet immediately.
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Frequently asked questions
An ingrown nail will look long and curved, with the tip of the nail growing into your cat’s paw pad. The pad might be swollen and there could be a small amount of bleeding. You may also notice your cat licking or biting at their feet due to the pain.
Ingrown nails can be very painful for cats, so it is recommended to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible. The vet will likely sedate or anesthetize your cat, clip the nail, and clean the wound. Depending on the severity of the injury, your cat may be sent home with antibiotics and pain medication.
Regularly trim your cat’s nails to prevent ingrown nails. You can also encourage your cat to wear down their nails naturally by providing scratching posts and other abrasive surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt, for them to scratch on.
Senior cats are more likely to get ingrown nails as they tend to be less active and their nails may become thicker and more brittle. Cats with longer coats may also be more prone to ingrown nails as their nails can be more difficult to see.
